Marine Affairs Manager

Location New Jersey
Salary US$75000 - US$100000 per annum
Job type Permanent
Sector Offshore Wind, Onshore Wind
Reference BBBH11064_1586960070


ERSG USA are currently recruiting for a Marine Affairs Manager to work for a rapidly growing offshore wind developer who have established significant operations on the US East Coast, having enjoyed tremendous success in Europe so far.


We are seeking a Marine Affairs Manager to oversee the company's maritime activities and its interaction with maritime users and marine stakeholders, including interactions with relevant federal and state agencies, industry associations, commercial and recreational fishermen, recreational maritime users, as well as ports and municipalities. The Marine Affairs Manager will coordinate maritime logistics as well as shoreside and port activities in close collaboration with the engineering team in Germany. The Marine Affairs Manager will report to the company's Permitting and Development Director.


Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the company's maritime activities and its interaction with maritime users and marine stakeholders, including creation and management of engagement plans for key marine stakeholder groups;
  • Liaise with stakeholders, including the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Department of Defense, fishing (commercial and recreational), commercial shipping, recreational boating, pilots' associations, harbor safety committees during offshore wind project development, construction, and operations;
  • Support company project teams with development of Jones-Act-compliant logistical concepts, including development of logistical and operational plans during the site investigation, construction, and O&M phases, as well as identification and evaluation of marshalling and O&M port options;
  • Coordinate with the company's permitting/consenting team to ensure that the company's marine mammal and other protected species mitigation plans are followed during all phases of offshore work, as well as to ensure that all permits are obtained, and respective requirements are followed related to offshore and maritime activities;
  • Oversee the company's Fisheries Liaisons and implementation of the company's Fisheries Communications Plan, coordinate the company's Fisheries Representatives, and manage community outreach efforts related to maritime activities;
  • Assess ports and other maritime facilities for compatibility with the company's additional needs during construction and operations phases, including development of lease or access agreements;
  • Support management of site investigation surveys, cargo shipments, and project deployment and installation;
  • Begin to gather information on U.S. offshore health, safety, and training requirements for offshore workers from federal (including BOEM, BSEE, USCG, OSHA) and state agencies to inform the company's workforce health and safety planning requirements;
  • Develop Navigation Safety Risk Assessments, Facility Security Plans, and other maritime-related plans and documents;
  • Assist with developing the company's best management practices associated with activities that may affect marine stakeholders and maritime users;
  • Represent the company in relevant industry and trade organizations, attend respective meetings, conferences, and public events, and participate in working groups associated with marine affairs, including RODA Joint Industry Task Force, fisheries working groups, and fisheries management council meetings;
  • Support risk assessment and hazard identification initiatives relating to marine vessel operations.


Qualifications:


Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in marine affairs, engineering, or other maritime disciplines.



Experience & Skills:

  • 5+ years of experience in the maritime industry.
  • In-depth knowledge of U.S. maritime regulations and policies, as well as relationships with maritime-related associations, policymakers, and state/federal authorities.
  • In-depth knowledge of the Jones Act and its restrictions on offshore wind site investigation, construction, and operational phases.
  • Understanding of offshore health, safety, and training requirements.
  • Knowledge and/or experience with the offshore wind industry preferred.
  • Maritime background, e.g. USCG or maritime operations experience.
  • Understanding and experience with USCG regulations, maritime safety guidelines, maritime security, AIS/VMS data.
  • Experience working with organized labor in the U.S.
  • Demonstrated experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders.
  • Experience presenting before agencies, as well as public and stakeholder meetings.